Expert: Kenneth Joergensen - 3/11/2006

Question
I have some spring bulbs, I forgot to get them into the ground in the fall, can I plant them in the springtime?

Also how long is too long to have kept bulbs and tubers in the cellar, is 3 years too long?

Answer
Generally, spring flowering bulbs should be planted in fall after the soil has cooled, and the bulbs should not be stored for long periods of time.

Most spring flowering bulbs require a vernalization (cooling) period of 12-18 weeks during which flowers will be initiated inside the bulbs. These vernalization periods vary from type to type. Tulips for example typically require 18 weeks and can not have a break in between. Other spring flowering bulbs accummulate the cooling and will flower even if they have had their cooling cycle broken (as long as the number of weeks cooling has been supplied).  The temperatures for cooling are typically below 40F and require bulbs to be planted.

At this point in time, you can plant the bulbs but I don't think you will get any flowers this year (due to lack of vernalization). They may come back and flower next year.

3 years sounds like a very long time for bulbs to be stored. I would be (pleasantly) surprised if they are still good.

This being said, bulbs are very tough generally and sometimes you can be surprised even if it flys in the eyes of wisdom (I guess they forgot to tell the bulbs that they were not supposed to flower !!).

My opinion is that it is a matter of "nothing ventured, nothing gained". I would plant the bulbs. If you get flowers, that is a fantastic extra bonus. If not, oh well...